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EV charging

What Is Vehicle-to-Load?

Vehicle-to-load, or V2L, lets a compatible EV power external devices such as appliances, camping equipment or tools from the vehicle battery.

Last reviewed: October 1, 2026CarGlossary Phase 2 P1 glossary
Simple definition

V2L is a practical bidirectional power feature that uses an EV battery as an external power source for supported loads.

How V2L works

A V2L-capable EV uses onboard power electronics and an outlet or adapter to supply AC power to external devices. Some vehicles provide an interior socket; others use an adapter at the charging port.

The available output is usually far lower than full DC fast-charging power. It is meant for appliances, tools or temporary backup loads, not unlimited building power.

Common uses

  • Camping equipment and portable refrigerators.
  • Laptops, lights and small appliances.
  • Power tools at a job site.
  • Emergency charging for smaller devices.
  • Short-term backup for selected low-power loads.

V2L vs V2G

V2L powers a local device or load. V2G exports energy to the electricity grid and needs different approvals, metering and grid interconnection rules.

Both sit under the broader bidirectional charging family, but they are not interchangeable.

Limits and safety notes

V2L output has a maximum wattage. High-draw appliances may overload it, and weatherproofing matters when using external adapters. Owners should follow the vehicle manual for grounding, extension cords and load limits.

V2L also reduces state of charge, so it can affect driving range.

What to compare as a buyer

Compare maximum output, outlet type, adapter cost, whether the feature is standard, whether it works while the vehicle is locked, and what minimum battery reserve can be set.

Bidirectional chargingV2GState of chargeBattery management systemOnboard chargerPlug and Charge

Sources

CarGlossary note:

Feature names, connector support, diagnostic behavior and EV specifications can vary by model year, trim, software version and market. Always verify the exact vehicle documentation before buying, repairing or relying on a feature.